Jamaican culture is a colorful and vibrant amalgamation of cultural traditions and heritage of its peoples. Originated from the pre-Columbian American tradition, it has absorbed the legacy of Spanish and British immigrants, combined with African indigenous influences.
The most remarkable and prominent feature of the local culture is Jamaican distinctive music. Moving and exciting sounds of Reggae are heard everywhere throughout the island and coincide with the rhythm of the local soul. Reggae is a soulful syncopated style of Jamaican music. In the beginning it played a role of carrying political, social and religious messages of black population against racism, oppression and discrimination. Reggae songs are full of metaphor, expression and praise of God. This music became world-renowned with the help of musician Bob Marley, whose songs colorfully portray the life of the Jamaicans.
The island's rich artistic heritage reaches back to the days, when Arawak Indians carved the ceilings and walls of caverns. Examples can still be seen in caves dotted throughout the island. Today Jamaica, and particularly Kingston, is a center of Caribbean art, its vital cultural energy having flourished tremendously since independence in 1962. Depicting life and landscape, Jamaican paintings feature bright colors and bold lines. Local handicrafts include those of straw, shell, wood, semi-precious stone, as well as pottery and garments. African, Indian, European and Arawak cultures had a great impact on the development of local arts and crafts. |
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Name: Jamaica |
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Area: 11,425 sq km |
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Capital City: Kingston |
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Population: 3 million |
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Language: English, Creole |
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Currency: Jamaica Dollar |
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Time Zone: GMT - 5 hrs |
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Religion: 80% Christian |
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